"From September to January, 36 teams each played eight different opponents with the top eight leaping into the last 16, while the bottom 12 have been eliminated. Those that finished between ninth and 24th now have a two-legged knockout play-off to navigate with the eight winners advancing to the last 16. Reigning European champions Paris St-Germain are among those returning, so too Inter Milan, the team they beat in the 2025 final."
"No side qualified for the play-offs in more dramatic style than Jose Mourinho's Benfica, who were seconds away from elimination before goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time to send them through. That came in a 4-2 victory against Real Madrid, and Alvaro Arbeloa's team have an instant chance for revenge as the two sides meet each other in the play-offs."
"So if you finish outside the top eight and have to face another two matches, does that wreck your chances of Champions League glory? As PSG spectacularly proved last season, it certainly does not. In 2024-25, Luis Enrique's side were facing Champions League elimination when 2-0 down at home to Manchester City on matchday seven of the league phase. But PSG won 4-2 and then defeated Stuttgart 4-1 in anot"
The Champions League returns with a new knockout play-off stage for teams finishing ninth to 24th, the eight winners joining the top eight in the last 16. From September to January, 36 teams each played eight opponents, with the top eight advancing directly and the bottom 12 eliminated. Reigning champions Paris St-Germain, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Benfica all entered the play-offs. Benfica reached the play-offs dramatically when goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time to win 4-2 over Real Madrid. Five English clubs finished in the top eight; Newcastle alone enter the play-offs.
Read at www.bbc.com
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